The Gibbes Museum debuts two spectacular new exhibits this month, examining the creative processes of painting and photography in contemporary Southern art and showcasing the great artistic talent of our region today. Contemporary artist John Westmark’s works incorporate fabrics and sewing patterns weaved into large-scale paintings and spark a sense of nostalgia through their narratives. The photography exhibit featuring works by Carrie Mae Weems and Stephen Marc, on the other hand, propels visitors into the here and now, examining the ways in which the industry has become digitized.

Feast your eyes on 400-plus pieces by various artists, then vote for your favorites at the second annual ArtFields celebration, held in Lake City, about two hours north of town. Other events include a community mandala installation with ArtFields’ 2013 People’s Choice award winner Kirkland Smith, the INSIDE OUT Project photography exhibit, and plein air workshops in which artists learn to create site-specific works. Locations in Lake City, South Carolina. Friday-Sunday, times & prices vary. (843)374-0180, www.artfieldssc.org

St. Philip's Church is hosting daily Lowcountry lunches and delicious desserts during their annual Tea Room event that benefits foreign and home ministries, St. Philip's choirs, and youth ministries. Okra soup, classic chicken salad, shrimp salad, hummingbird cake, cheesecake, and many more dishes are made and served by the church's parishoners. There are seating arrangements indoors as well as outdoors, and take-out ordering is available. Parish Hall, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 142 Church St. Monday- Friday, 11:30am-2pm. Prices vary. (843)722-7291, www.stphilipschurchsc.org

Amiri Gueka Farris, winner of the 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival Design Competition, will display a variety of mixed media works, including his
winning design, "Gullah Islander Toss." Known for his powerful artwork ant artistic ability to combine colors, textures, and a signature use of Adinkra symbols, Amiri captureds the essence and history of the Gullah-Geechee people in his collection. Visitors are invited to meet the contemporary artist at the gallery on May 3 from 10am-4pm and May 4 from 2-5pm. North Charleston City Gallery in Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. May 1-31, 9am-5pm. Free. (843)529-5011, www.charlestonareaconventioncenter.com

Relax and let your creativity take over in this new, innovative art class. The art of Zentangle is an easy, relaxing method of creating small black-and-white tiles on a variety of surfaces with pens, markers, or paint. Local artist and certified Zentangle teacher Caren Mlot invites participants to unwind and learn how to create these unique pieces of art. Hobby Lobby, 2165 Tea Planter Lane, Mount Pleasant. Thursday, 10am-12:30pm. $35. (843)849-0641, www.tanglemania.com

This is your last chance to catch the exhibit dubbed by the Post and Courier as "one of the highlights of the year." Comprised entirely of student works from the College of Charleston's School of the Arts, this annual exhibition shows off the school's brightest talents and gives students the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional setting. Visiting painter Bill Dunlap will select this year's works, while local artist Robert Lange awards more than $6,000 in prizes to talented students. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, 161 Calhoun St. Thursday, 11am-7pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-4pm. Free. (843)953-4422, www.halsey.cofc.edu

The Charleston Academy of Music (CAM) has a vision of bringing music to everyone, especially those in the health community. In this piano and violin performance by CAM students, the Hollings Cancer Center is transformed into a concert hall as the students present works by Brahms, Kreisler, Rachmaninoff, Massenet, and more. Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas St. Thursday, noon. Free. (843)805-7794, www.charlestonmusic.org

Farm-to-school dining comes to fruition at the Green Heart Project’s fourth Harvest Dinner. Join students and faculty at Mitchell Elementary for farm-and-garden tours, and experience healthy, sustainable eats firsthand as you munch on produce straight from the garden and enjoy a BBQ dinner. While kids play games and enjoy the jump-castle, be sure to check out the mobile farmers market for veggies to-go. Mitchell Elementary School, 2 Perry St. Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm. $20; $10 student; free for child under 11. (843)714-1350,www.greenheartsc.org

Enjoy culinary delights from Charleston’s top chefs, an open bar, and dancing under the stars at the Gibbes Museum of Art’s fifth annual street party. This year’s event takes on the vibe of a multicultural bazaar, where guests indulge in sips, savories, and sweets from the pros at Cypress, FIG, The Grocery, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Canyon Road Winery, and other local restaurants. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Thursday, 7:30-10pm. $150; $125 member. (843)722-2706, www.gibbesmuseum.org